New Experiences in Familiar Places

While a change is as good as a holiday, a change and a holiday is even better. Join outbound as we take a fresh look at some familiar locations throughout Australia and New Zealand. Experience other cultures and conquer new terrain- you can expect to see a whole new side to some of your favourite destinations.

Melbourne - Little Italy means Big Fun
While many consider Melbourne to be all about football and shopping, outbound reveals another side of this bustling metropolis. It really is worth dragging yourself out of the malls and stadiums to discover a very special part of Melbourne- Little Italy on Carlton’s Lygon Street.

The city’s first espresso machine arrived here at one of the street’s Italian-owned cafes in the 1950s. A warm and welcoming corner of this busy city, the street’s double-storey Victorian terraces are crammed with endless cafes and restaurants, where charming waiters weave through cosy interiors and alfresco settings. Steaming bowls of pasta, espresso, and delicious gelato bring a satisfied smile to the faces of the patrons- all tasting a ‘little Italy’.

outbound Traveller Tips…

Don’t miss the Lygon Street Festa October 28 & 29 – a celebration of traditional and contemporary Italian culture and one of Australia’s largest outdoor street festivals.
Further down Lygon Street find quaint bookshops and galleries. The crowd is a meandering mix of university students and Italian grandfathers watching the world go by. Find yourself immersed in the distinctly European atmosphere enjoying the relaxed and cultured ambience.
For cheap thrills purchase a Sunday Saver and travel all day on Melbourne’s trams, trains and buses for one low price. Tickets are available from most convenience stores in the city.

How to get there…
Fly direct from Gold Coast Airport into Melbourne Tullamarine Airport. 18 Flights depart daily. From Swanson St catch tram number 1 or 22 heading north, or catch bus numbers 20, 201, 203 or 207 from Melbourne Central to Carlton.

Sydney - Check Out Chinatown
Next time you head to Sydney visit Chinatown for an incredible look at the Harbour city’s best kept secret. Chinatown is a colourful mix of Asian culture, shopping and cuisine. The area’s distinct architecture, romantic street lanterns and archways, give Sydney a very special atmosphere.

Restaurants include those from Vietnam, Thailand, Korea and Japan. The many eateries are not limited to Chinese cuisine, but also serve dishes from Cambodia, Laos, Mongolia, Malaysia, and other parts of Asia.

outbound Traveller Tips…

Chinatown is home to Paddy’s Markets, a maze of wonderful bric-a-brac, fresh produce, unique gifts, and wonderful bargains. From Chinese slippers to healthy herbs, find something special among the rows and rows of stalls
Yum Cha is a must if you are anything like us and want to try everything on a good menu. No need to pick from your fellow diners plates- join the bustle of feasting and choose sample sized servings from trolleys laden with all sorts of tasty morsels. This is the best way to try a little of everything- without having your fellow diners slap your wrists! You can get Yum Cha for breakfast and lunch, and many of the restaurants stay open late till the wee hours of the morning.

How to get there…
Choose from 22 direct daily flights to Sydney. Chinatown is an easy 15 minute walk from Central railway station.

Adelaide - Germany Down Under at Hahndorf
You have not really had a charming Adelaide holiday until you have spent time in the ‘Hills. It is here that you will find Hahndorf, the oldest surviving German settlement in Australia. The original Lutheran pioneers came to South Australia to escape religious persecution in Prussia, arriving by ship with Captain Dirk Hahn. In gratitude they named their settlement Hahdorf, which means, ‘Hahn’s Village’.

Original architecture remains evident today retaining the town’s strong heritage. Find plenty of souvenir shops, museums, craft and antique stores. This is the ideal place to buy traditionally made wursts, fragrant soaps, quality fabrics, and incredible leather goods. German bakeries also line the main street along with pubs, cafes, and good restaurants.

outbound Traveller Tips…

Try a relaxing afternoon tea break at The German Cake Shop- absolutely delicious!
Check out the famous German Arms. Sip ale and listen to locals share their incredible heritage.
Pick your own strawberries and stock up on homemade preserves at Beerenberg Farm, 2km out of town. The farm dates back to the 1830’s when the Paech family settled the village.
World famous artist Sir Hans Heysen lived and worked in the township for more than 60 years and his historic property, home, garden, and studios are open daily to the public.

How to get there…
Fly direct from Gold Coast Airport to Adelaide and choose from 2 daily flights. Hahndorf is only a 20 minute journey from Adelaide. Take the South Eastern Freeway from the city, and turn off at the Hahndorf exit. Otherwise, public transport is available.

Auckland - Roll on in for a Cycling Holiday
Want to do Auckland differently? A great way to experience the beauty of Auckland is to do it on a bike. Besides the environmental and health benefits, cycling allows you to see the city and surrounds up close and personal. Whether you want to weave through the city or get gritty mountain biking, roll solo or be part of a cycling tour group- there is a cycling adventure waiting for you.

outbound Traveller Tips…

Off road…. Obstacles like jumps, drop offs, bridges and balancing beams have made Woodhill Mountain Bike Park one of the country’s best. The park has over 70km of cross-country, downhill and free-riding trails. Costs are minimal and children under 11 are free.
Want more? You can do a six day guided cycling tour of the North Island. For more information head to www.cyclingtours.com.au/site/northisland.

How to get there…
Choose from eight 8 weekly direct flights to Auckland. You can fly with Air New Zealand or Pacific Blue.

Hamilton - Mudbath in Rotorua
From the moment you enter Rotorua, you will know you are somewhere unique, and you will experience the earth forces immediately . Steam rises from cracks, gardens, pathways and even residential streets, and the distinctive scent of sulphur signals that you are in the centre of an active thermal area. Just minutes from the city centre there are geysers, boiling pools of mud, silica terraces, mud fumeroles and volcanoes just waiting to be explored... if you dare.

outbound Traveller Tips…

Visitors who want to relax in pools of natural hot mineral water, wrap themselves in mud, or soothe body and soul with an Aix massage under thermal water, head to Hell’s Gate and Wai Ora Spa.
Make the trip to the Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, New Zealand’s most colourful volcanic area. Here you’ll find 26 key natural features including the world famous, multi-coloured Champagne Pool.
Spring is the best time to fly to Hamilton, rent a car and enjoy a self-drive short break up to the Rotorua

How to get there...
Fly direct from Gold Coast Airport to Hamilton. Rotorua is a one and a half hour journey from Hamilton.